Revamped version of the iPhone 3G with faster processing speeds. Repair of this device is similar to the 3G, and requires simple screwdrivers and prying tools. Model A1303 / 16 or 32 GB capacity / black or white plastic back.

After replacing back, power button won't work (even pushing)

Hello everyone,

I bought a new back for my cracked white 3GS and tried to replace it myself last night. The only problems I have now are that the top power button/lock will not respond at all, although it clicks. Also, I seem to have lost bass in music, and the volume control buttons work but don't physically click like they should.

I am only concerned about the power button. (Pushing on the corner doesn't work at all, it did before I replaced the back.) Would replacing that whole mess of wire with the headphone jack help the power button? Is there something physical I might have done wrong? The guides on this website are bar none the best but don't show extreme detail that might help answer this problem.

Also, I have been left with two of the very small screws and a small metal brace not for the camera. Not sure where they go! (One prob goes under do not remove stick but won't stay in - does brace go under that?)

Please note this phone is not jailbroken so I cannot use an app to turn it off.

is it possible for you to post a photo? just click on the orange icon "images" at the bottom right of this page. If you can take photo of the rear case without the motherboard in, and the metal part it may help us a bit more to tell you what the part does and what may be wrong with your assembly.

2 Answers

The powerbutton ribbon could have easily been damaged during the swap, OR there is poor fitment between the bezel and the actual housing, making it not properly "click" the home button. Generally housing swaps yield poor results if a lower quality housing is used. Fitment being poor will lead to buttons not being as crisp as they used to be, but this could also come with age, as the phone does wear pretty easily.

As for the "bass" issue, do you have the screen that covers the speaker install in the bottom of the housing? This is just a theory, but without that, the airwaves which move when the speaker functions is no longer slowed down, thus it is acting like a tweeter, rather than a bass box. Again, this could also be poor fitment with the housing. The speaker is supposed to be closely fitted up against the housing so that there are no leaks, and sound comes out from the bottom only.

Had the "same" problem. I replaced the power button, now it clicked but still no action. Then i saw the bezel frame was not sealed 100%, i just pushed on it a little and then power worked. So everytime need to use power button i have to hold the screen and frame pressed together so the button gets a connection. This might not be the solution for you, but this was my experience. :)